0 Emission: September 2007

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Ferrari tests the direct injection waters

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Audi, Ferrari, Legislation and Policy

There are many who question whether or not small-volume or high-performance manufacturers should be held to the same emissions and fuel economy regulations as the larger automakers. Ferrari qualifies as both a small-volume (though getting larger) and a (very) high performance company. Indeed, the Italian maker of sports and racing cars is quite concerned with legislation which could make it impossible to sell their current line of vehicles, and they are looking at direct injection as a means to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. We have covered some of the other more radical concepts they are looking at in their Millechili concept car.

Audi could be considered the current market leader when it comes to direct injection, which is why Ferrari is benchmarking them when it comes to the design of their new fuel system. Ferrari is working with Bosch as well, as they have experience working with Audi on their FSI direct-fuel injection system. You might recall that direct injection was one of the methods that we highlighted as a potential fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technology last month, and Ferrari apparently agrees. As a bonus, direct injection will add a 'cavallino rampante' or two to Ferrari's engines, which is something that they are always looking to do anyway.

Related:

[Source: Autocar via Autoblog]

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Video: Human-powered flight inventor Paul MacCready's TEDTalk

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Solar

Paul MacCready, a true green transport pioneer, died recently. Ted.com has made available a video of a 21-minute talk he made in 2003. The talk has great stories about his amazing career, like the inspiration to create his first human-powered flying vehicle. It seems Paul had a $100,000 debt at the time and thought winning the $100,000 prize for the first human-powered flight vehicle was the perfect solution.

He spent $65,000 to make the Gossamer Condor so that's why he had to win second human-powered flight prize of crossing the English channel. The real money maker, it turns out, was selling the plane to the Air and Space museum, which reduced Paul's income taxes by two-thirds. My favorite moment from the talk is Paul's description of a flexible solar powered plane he made with NASA. He said "the wings could touch together on top and not break... we think."

Paul also mentions the EV1 and CARB's decision to to pull the electric car mandate. His son then ends the talk by demonstrating a great flying toy.

[Source: TedBlog and tipster Natasha]

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Glamor post of the week: BMW Hydrogen 7 is official limo for Rome Film Festival

Filed under: Etc., Hydrogen, BMW

Lights, camera, action! A small fleet of BMW 7-Series Hydrogen will be used by the Rome Film Festival organisation to move VIP guests to the red carpet.

BMW will be present at the second edition of the Cinema Festa Internazionale di Roma, as "ecomobility provider" for the event. The Bavarian marque will supply the fleet to the organisation so they can provide transportation to both cinema stars and personalities from the institutional world (read: politicians). I just hope that the hotel is near enough the theaters: the Hydrogen 7 can only run 200 km (about 120 miles) on a single tank/charge of hydrogen. When the H2 runs out, they can always switch to the gasoline tank, I suppose.

It's obvious that BMW is investing a lot of money promoting its Hydrogen 7 with celebrities. I'm no celebrity, but I'll admit it: if it fit in my garage, I'd like to try one as well.

Related:

[Source: BMW Italia]

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Take a look at Audi's current green efforts

Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Audi, Natural Gas

We'll relay the information in this article on Auto 123 in the ever-popular backwards-first method of news reporting. That article ends this way: "Further down the road, as oil reserves become exhausted, bigger and better solutions will be needed." While that may seem obvious, another point worth pondering is this: why wait until then?

In an effort to stave off the impending exhaustion of our oil reserves, Audi is testing and marketing a few alternatives to the gasoline engine. While still relying on some fossil fuels for power, the E85-capable A5 coupe (the red one above) uses far less crude oil than the standard 2.0 four-cylinder would. Of course, ethanol raises other environmental issues which we'll save for other posts. Audi also has A5 models powered by CNG. Then there are the obligatory hybrid models that will be made available by Audi shortly in the form of the Q7 and its 3.6-liter V6 coupled to an electric motor. Of course, Audi is rightly proud of their class and Le Mans leading diesel technology. Although dealyed, these vehicles are likely to be sold in the U.S. in addition to Europe.

Lastly, in the "one of these things is not like the other" category, Audi is showing off some alternatives to the... uh, alternatives mentioned above: monitoring driving habits. The writers at Auto 123 were not so sure that this technology would be accepted in the marketplace, and they may be right. But, we are sure that there are a certain number of drivers who would welcome a little training on how to eke the most miles from a gallon of fuel as possible. Bring it on, Audi!

[Source: Auto 123]

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Formula One hybrid racing coming in 2010

Filed under: Hybrid

max,mosley,formula1,f1

The German car magazine Auto, Motor and Sports reports Formula One racing will use hybrid cars by 2010. It seems FIA boss Max Mosley finally got a deal for the greener races. A lot of technology that we see in cars today was developed on the race track, and we can only imagine what this new F1 style might bring. The addition of hybrid technology to Formula One racing is further validation of the technology. We know that some of the fastest cars in the world are electric cars, so maybe it's just time for F1 to catch up.

Related:

[Source: I4U]

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Rep. Dingell proposes tax on fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Filed under: Legislation and Policy

Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn, MI) has created a legislative proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as by 60 to 80 percent in 2050. How? By creating a tax on fuels and CO2 emissions. The amount: $50 per ton of CO2 and 50 cents a gallon for gasoline. It will include the elimination of tax exemptions for large homes as well. Dingell also supports the Hill-Terry initiative that is trying to raise mileage standards by 40 percent in 2022.

"In order to reduce greenhouse gases and make the planet safe and healthy for future generations it will take a significant investment from all of us," Dingell said. "A fee on carbon emissions requires a tithe from all citizens and industries, but no one entity will be unfairly leveled with a devastating burden. More importantly, it provides an incentive for change in our economy and our way of life. I welcome public input on how this policy proposal can best balance our environmental and economic concerns and I look forward to receiving feedback."

Citizens can add their feedback on his Congress webpage (follow the Read link). However, the question is how this initiative will move ahead as next year elections approach?

Related:

[Source: U.S. House, Detroit News]

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The Electrobike Pi: pretty cool and really expensive

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Solar, On Two Wheels

Let me get this fact off my chest before I write anything else: this thing is flippin' expensive! Alright, now that we're through with that, let's analyze this electric bike, known as Pi. The frame is an aluminum monocoque, meaning that it is a single piece made up of metal which is all a similar thickness. Moving on to the electrics, the batteries are nickel metal hydride, not the better-but-pricier lithium ion. The motor is a 36-volt brushless DC model which produces about 1 horsepower, or 750 watts. Of course, add your human power to that power amount if you are willing to pedal. In case you were wondering, you are capable of producing much less than one horsepower! If you are willing to pay the $7,500 (!) asking price, you can find the bike at Design Within Reach.

If you do manage to cough up the money, you will be rewarded with an electric bike capable of less than 30 miles per hour box-stock. The bike has the power to go faster and can be geared to do so, but you'll need a motorcycle license for that. The asking price does include a designer helmet... The circular frame is probably where the name came from, you think?

One very cool piece of technology buried in that aluminum frame is the NuVinci planetary gearbox. This piece of hardware allows the bike to change gear ratios without actually manually switching gears. Click here for more on that. If you can afford the bike, you may also be able to spend the extra $1,800 for the solar charger, which further lowers your carbon footprint. Speaking of that footprint, just about any electric bike will offer similar CO2 output, but the Pi from Electrobike is designed with the reduction of emissions in mind, so you can feel good about that. Unless you get the gas/electric hybrid model (which will get its very own dedicated post later), which seems to fly in the face of the rest of the concept. If anybody actually does get one of these, make sure to let us know about it. It'd be interesting to compare it with a Segway, which is another really expensive way to get from point A to point B.

Related:

A very nice (but very expensive) automatic commuter bicycle option

[Source: Electrobike and LA Times, Thanks for the tip, Domenick!]

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Hyundai delays hybrid, fuel cell?

Filed under: Hybrid, Hydrogen, Hyundai

hyundai,elantra,2007

Hyundai may be delaying the release of their hybrid and fuel cells vehicles. An unnamed Hyundai official told Reuters that Hyundai will mass-produce a Hybrid Elantra through its Kia unit in 2010 and mass produce a fuel cell vehicle starting in 2012 (2015 at the latest). Recently, we reported Hyundai would produce hybrids in 2008, and 2009 and have fuel cell volume sales by 2010 and begin mass sales in 2015. Volume, mass production, and release dates are squishy numbers (companies often say 2007-2008 release for example) so technically, there might not actually be a delay. The new, slightly-further-out release targets for the Hyundai hybrids and fuel cells have us little worried though.

[Source: Reuters]

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Condi tells the world to clean up the fuels we use

Filed under: Legislation and Policy

Here's the recipe that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asked "the world's biggest polluters" to cook up in their economic kitchens:

mix moving towards energy sources that "reduce global warming"
with no harm to your economy.

Sound like a good idea? Sure. Sound feasible? That's another story. During a two-day conference on climate change, Rice said that the U.S. (surprise, surprise) favors voluntary actions over those messy international agreements and treaties. Perhaps Rice's ride in the all-electric Tesla Roadster back in May (pictured above) has got her dreaming.

Specifically, Rice said, "Let me emphasize that this is not a one-size-fits-all effort. Though united by common goals and collective responsibilities, all nations should tackle climate change in the ways that they deem best," according to the AP. The White House is making it clear that this conference "will emphasize creating more diplomatic processes to find a solution to global warming, rather than setting firm goals for reducing carbon dioxide and other gases blamed for heating up the atmosphere."

Thankfully, not everyone was so blasé about the challenge. Dozens of protesters were arrested today outside the State Department, calling the conference a "fraud" and a "diversion."

[Source: John Heilprin / Associated Press]

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AutoblogGreen Podcast #12 - Frankfurt Motor Show roundup

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Podcasts, Frankfurt Motor Show, HCCI

Better late than never, right? It's totally my fault that AutoblogGreen Podcast #12 is so late in coming, but here it is! Episode 12 is a Frankfurt recap show, and John Neff from Autoblog.com joins Sebastian and Sam to talk about some of the highlights of the dual-personality (green and not so green) Frankfurt Motor Show. There's lots of discussion about the coming E-Flex versus Hybrid Synergy Drive smackdown, the 17 new models coming from Mercedes by 2010, many of them diesels, the Volvo C30 Efficiency kicks off discussion about plucking the low-hanging efficiency fruit, and the 'cast wraps up with further punditry about Diesel regs in the US versus the EU. It's a wide-ranging discussion clocking in at 41 minutes, enjoy!

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Volkswagen kicks off cross-country DIESELUTION tour

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America kicked off their big cross country DIESELUTION tour at the Auburn Hills MI headquarters this morning as they prepare for launch of their new CleanTDI vehicles, next March. New VWoA CEO Stefan Jacoby unveiled the 53 ft long, expandable DIESELUTION trailer which is filled with interactive exhibits extolling the virtues of diesel and alternative fuels. The primary focus is explaining the efficiency benefits and CO2 reductions that come from the clean diesel technology that debuts on the Jetta sedan and SportWagen.

Displays inside the trailer will highlight emissions technology, the racing successes of Volkswagen's Touareg TDI in off-road competition and the amount of money drivers can save on fuel. There are also exhibits on fuels including current biodiesel fuels and Sunfuel. Sunfuel is a next generation biofuel that VW is working on with a German University that involves biomass-to-gas conversion. The gas can then be converted to diesel fuel. Accompanying the trailer will be a group of diesel VWs including the oldest Rabbit diesel that was recently found, a Polo Bluemotion, Touareg and the new Jetta. The truck leaves today for Boston where it will be on display at the AltWheels festival this weekend. After Boston the tour will continue on with stops at universities, auto shows and other events around the US before arriving at the Super Bowl next February.

Update: The tour schedule so far is now posted after the press release on the other side of the jump. There are some gaps in their around the LA and Detroit Auto Shows where tour may stop as well.

Gallery: Volkswagen Dieselution tour

[Source: Volkswagen]26 September 2007
VOLKSWAGEN SENDS DIESELUTION TOUR ACROSS AMERICA TO PROMOTE ADVANCES, BENEFITS OF CLEAN DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. is launching the Dieselution Tour, a mobile marketing exhibit, to educate the media and the public on advances in clean diesel technology and alternative fuels.

Using interactive displays and exhibits, the Dieselution Tour will highlight current environmental issues and showcase advances in diesel engine technology, design and performance. Starting today, the exhibit embarks on a four-month tour, making stops at events and locations around the United States, including environmental and alternative fuel festivals, auto shows and the 2008 Super Bowl.

"Volkswagen of America considers the Dieselution Tour an important informational resource for everyone concerned about the environment and improved fuel economy standards," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We want to show Americans that today's clean diesel technology is a quantum leap from the powerplants introduced nearly 30 years ago. This tour aims to change any outdated perception about diesel technology."

"As the diesel car sales leader in the United States, we have worked hard to make our diesels cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient," Jacoby added. "Once consumers realize that a clean diesel alternative can improve their fuel economy by nearly 35 percent over comparable gasoline engines, we're confident that many drivers will visit their local Volkswagen dealerships."

The Dieselution Tour is centered around a 53-foot-long, double-expandable semi-trailer with exhibits and interactive displays. Elements include an "Alt Fuel/ Alt Film video area; a Dieselab with a series of interactive and video displays; a Diesel Heritage section, illustrating Volkswagen's diesel history and leadership; a Sustainability Station, involving an interactive quiz and a Carbon Footprint Calculator; a Beyond Diesel perspective featuring SunFuel; and a Motorsports display, outlining Volkswagen's recent history and international success in racing diesel vehicles in events like the Baja 500, Pikes Peak, and the Dakar rally.

The Dieselution Tour will also feature the 2009 Jetta TDI, Volkswagen's new, 50-state clean diesel offering. The vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in spring of 2008. Also on display, a 3.0-liter V6 TDI Touareg, the Polo Blue Motion and the oldest Volkswagen diesel in America, a 1977 Rabbit.

Partner/sponsor companies involved in this landmark exhibit are International Truck and Engine Company and CarbonFund.org. a non-profit carbon offset provider.

Signifying Volkswagen's environmental concern, the Dieselution Tour will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Volkswagen and Carbonfund.org recently announced a partnership to offset one year of carbon emission from each new Volkswagen sold in the U.S. from September, 2007 through January 2, 2008. In return, Volkswagen is working with Carbonfund.org to reforest land in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) in northern Louisiana, a wetland ecosystem that had been largely converted to farmland.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Dieselution Tour
20 Week Schedule for 2007

Sept 25
VW HQ/Soft Launch with VW VIP's Auburn Hills, MI

Sept 26
VW HQ Press Event - am show only Auburn Hills, MI

Sept 27-29
Altwheels Alt. Transportation Festival Boston, MA

Sept. 30
ECOFEST NY, NY

Oct
2
VW Canadian HQ with VW VIPs Ajax, Canada

Oct 4-
5
Clarkson University Potsdam, NY

Oct 8-
9
Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY

Oct 11-12*
International Truck HQ Event? Warrenville, IL

Oct 16-17
Possible San Francisco Dealer Group Event San Francisco, CA

Oct 18-21
Monterey Sports Car Championship Monterey, CA

Oct 23-24
Possible UCLA or Las Vegas dealer group TBD

Oct 26-Nov
3
SEMA/ AAPEX Aftermarket events Las Vegas, NV

Nov 5-
6
LA Dealer Group Los Angeles, CA

Nov 8-
9
San Diego Dealer Group San Diego, CA

Nov 12-13
Phoenix Dealer Group Phoenix, AZ

Nov 14
VW Dealer Meeting - Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA

Nov 21-26
Motor Trend International Auto Show Las Vegas, NV

Nov 29- Dec
2
Ski Dazzle - Ski & Snowboard Show Laguna Beach, CA

Dec 16 -Jan
2
Extended Stay at Universal -
Christmas/New Years Los Angeles, CA

Jan 18-20
Phoenix Concours d'Elegance Scottsdale, AZ

Jan 22-24
11th Annual MPMC Media Trade Conference Los Angeles, CA

Jan 25-Feb
4
Super Bowl Phoenix, AZ

Feb 6-17
Chicago Auto Show Chicago, IL

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DOE, USABC will fund nearly $38 million for plug-in hybrid research

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy

Another nice green car announcement from the Department of Energy this week: almost $20 million for plug-in hybrid research. The DOE is presenting PHEVs as cars that can go "up to 40 miles" on battery power, so that seems to be the government's goal. Something to keep in mind.

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) will co-fund five of the projects the DOE is giving money to, bringing the total PHEV funding in this case to $38 million. The companies involved are:

3M of St. Paul, MN - selected for an award of up to $1.14 million from DOE (total DOE/industry cost share: $ 2.28 million) over two years to screen nickel/manganese/cobalt (NMC) cathode materials through building and testing of small-sized cells;
A123Systems of Watertown, MA - selected for an award of up to $6.25 million from DOE (total DOE/industry cost share: $12.5 million) over three years for a project to develop batteries based on nanophase iron-phosphate chemistry for 10- and 40-mile range PHEVs;
Compact Power Inc. of Troy, MI - selected for an award of up to $4.45 million from DOE (total DOE/industry cost share: $12.7 million) over three years to develop batteries for 10-mile range PHEVs using high energy and high power Manganese-spinel;
EnerDel, Inc. of Indianapolis, IN - selected for an award of up to $1.25 million from DOE (total DOE/industry cost share: $2.5 million) over two years to develop cells for 10- and 40-mile range PHEVs using nano-phase lithium titanate coupled with a high voltage Nickel-Manganese cathode material;
Johnson Controls - Saft Advanced Power Solutions of Milwaukee, WI - selected for an award of up to $4.1 million from DOE (total DOE/industry cost-share: $8.2 million) over two years to develop batteries using a nickelate/layered chemistry for 10- and 40-mile range PHEVs.

The University of Michigan will also get almost $2 million for a two-year study about "the future of PHEVs." Specifically, the study will look at how PHEVs might interact with a smart grid and how the public might react to these cars. We like them, right? Do you hear us, U of M?

Related:

U.S. DOE will work with China on large-scale deployment of alternative-power vehicles

[Source: DOE]

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Buy a Volkswagen BlueMotion and get that tree planted

Filed under: Volkswagen, Carbon Offset

You may know what they say: during our lifespan we all should write a book, have a child and plant a tree. Well, the latter is easy: if you purchase a Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion in Spain, the German marque will plant 17 trees for you. This is a similar initiative to one offered by Volkswagen in the US.

The agreement was made with two companies called Maderas Nobles de la Sierra de Segura and the Fundación + Árboles and belongs to a project unveiled in Barcelona on June 23rd that hopes to plant 100 million trees in the Iberian Peninsula. Maderas Nobles will keep these trees maintained for at least 40 years with techniques of ecological silviculture and car owners will earn certificates assessing the number of planted trees in their name, how much CO2 the trees offset and the activities that Volkswagen will offset with those saved CO2.

Gallery: VW Polo BlueMotion

Related:

[Source: Agroinformacion]

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Ecology Coatings patents new eco-friendly automotive coatings

Filed under: Etc.

Just what is "liquid-nanotechnology", and why would I want my car covered in it? First, "liquid-nanotechnology" is what Ecology Coatings calls their product. Second, because unless you are driving a Delorean or a future Citroën, your car is most likely painted, maybe a few times at that. So, if your car needs to be coated to keep it from oxidizing, why not use an eco-friendly paint? That is what Ecology Coatings is trying to accomplish. They say, "Since 1990, Ecology has been singularly focused on developing products that enable inexpensive mass production with atomic-level precision, using solid materials cured under UV light to create coatings that are not only viable but are also clean and efficient."

Their coatings are apparently 100 percent solids which require no carriers (water, chemicals) to get from the spray-gun to the substrate. Because of these properties, the coatings should be more environmentally friendly and safer to use.

[Source: Ecology Coatings]

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Volvo Trucks' plant in Ghent, Belgium is CO2-free

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Volvo

Volvo first went about tackling emissions by showing off their "carbon-free" trucks. Now, they say that their goal is to make all of their plants "carbon-free" too. For whatever reason, when they introduced the trucks and now with the factories, they call them carbon-free in most promotional materials (image above excepted) as opposed to the more commonly accepted carbon-neutral. Whatever. The first plant which does not spew carbon (in the overall balance) is in Ghent, Belgium. According to Volvo CEO Leif Johansson,"It is not an easy undertaking, but we are prepared to try different alternatives to achieve our goal for CO2-free production in our plants."

In order to make their non-carbon plans a reality, the company is building three wind-power plants on-site, which will provide half the power for the plant. For the rest of their electricity, Volvo will turn to the Belgium energy company, Electrabel, which will provide certified green energy. Two plants in Sweden are also scheduled to be carbon-absent.

[Source: Volvo via Industry Week]

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Prius owners: don't stack your floor mats!

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Recently, we told you Consumer Affairs wrote the Prius had unintended acceleration problems caused by something mysterious. Consumer Affairs later wrote that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had quietly started an investigation. Today, it looks like we know what caused the unintended acceleration: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling all-weather floor mats for the Camry and Lexus because it may get caught in the acceleration pedal and cause "unintended acceleration." Prius ~~and Avalon hybrid~~ drivers that have the all-weather mats are urged to check to make sure it's properly installed. I wonder why no recall for them? Anyway, the NHTSA did not find a design flaw in the mats but did find it could slip forward under the acceleration pedal if the all-weather mat is stacked on top of other mats. Got that Prius ~~and Avalon hybrid~~ drivers? Don't stack your mats! This may sound a little funny but NHTSA knows of 7 crashes, 12 injuries, and people zipping above 90 MPH because of a floor mat.

Update: Don't worry about checking the mats in your Avalon hybrid; Avalon hybrids don't exist :D

[Source: Reuters]

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General Motors Tahoe/Yukon Hybrids to get 21/22 mpg from EPA

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

With the launch of GM's full-size SUVs with the Two-Mode hybrid system less than two months away, a lot of questions about the vehicles work have already been answered. However, two big questions have remained unanswered: the official mileage numbers from the EPA and the price. We still don't know how much GM is going to charge for the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids. But the official mileage numbers are being announced by GM at the Texas State Fair.

According to the revised EPA procedures for 2008, they will get 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. That compares to 14/20 for the conventional models with the 5.3L V-8 and two-wheel-drive. The four wheel drive hybrids get 20/20 ratings compared to the conventional models 11/14 mpg ratings. Those city numbers compare quite favorably to non-hybrid mid-sized sedans like the Toyota Camry and Pontiac G6 with a four cylinder engine. The Camry is rated at 21 mpg and the G6 is 22 mpg. Of course the sedans are rated at 31 and 30mpg on the highway, but if you actually need a big vehicle, these sure look good. Of course the price could put a real damper on the whole situation so we'll have to see how that goes.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

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UK survey says screw hybrids if you want a green car

Filed under: Hybrid, SMART, Toyota

How many top ten lists of green cars to you know of that don't include the Toyota Prius? A new survey by Cardiff University and UK automotive consultancy Clifford Thames has come to the conclusion that the poster car for the environmental driver is actually only the 12th greenest vehicle. Number one? The discontinued Smart Roadster. And the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet comes in second. Or, as Car magazine put it: "A new report today exposes the real green cars - and there's not a hybrid in sight in the top 10." The Financial Times has also written about this story, but it's behind a subscription wall.

So, what is this list and how did it come into being? Vehicles were given points depending on emissions/pollutants (half the total) and the "vehicles' construction, energy costs, recyclability and size," according to Car. I'll guess that that construction factor is the key in the Prius faring so poorly, compared to expectations. Let's hope this doesn't revive that CNW Prius vs. Hummer "report" again.

You can see the full Top 12 list after the break.

[Source: Car Magazine, Financial Times via TTAC]
Top Green cars, as calculated by Cardiff University and UK automotive consultancy Clifford Thames:

1st Smart Roadster - 66.2 points
2nd Smart Fortwo Cabriolet - 59.8
3rd Citroen C1 1.0 - 40.1
4th Peugeot 107 1.0 - 38.6
5th Citroen C1 1.4 HDI - 31.3
6th Fiat Panda 1.2 Dualogic - 28.4
7th Ford Ka 1.3 - 27.5
8th Toyota Yaris 1.0 - 27.2
9th Fiat Panda 100hp - 23.6
10th Pegueot 206 1.4 - 23.5
11th Mini Cooper D - 23.3
12th Toyota Prius 1.5 - 23.2

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Video: Prius will go 62 MPH "and beyond" in all-electric mode

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM, Toyota, Frankfurt Motor Show

Recently, I wrote the Prius had a "second phase" goal of 37 miles in electric-only mode. In the video above, Hans-Peter Wandt of Toyota says the "step one" Prius in testing can go 60 to 100 kph (100 kph is 62 mph) and that future models will go "beyond" that. The current Prius' top speed in electric-only mode is 35 mph. If Hans means step one is the Prius being tested in France, then that means Toyota has developed an electric engine that breaks the speed limit.

The stage one Prius, currently in testing, does not use lithium-ion and only has a 6-mile range. Does it matter if the plug-in Prius can go 67 MPH if it has a 6-mile range? A powerful electric engine in the first phase Toyota could mean a smaller gas engine, which means lower weight and maybe higher mileage. Even if the phase one gas motor is the same size as the current Prius, the second phase Prius will be able to get 37 miles per charge and go 67 mph.

A Prius with that sort of electric-only range coupled with an electric-only speed of 67 mph is on par with the Volt. It's very possible that we'll hear Toyota start to make the same claims as GM has with the Volt, i.e, the car gets very high mileage, you may never have to use gas, etc. And the "second phase" Prius may even have higher mileage. How is that possible? Remember, the series hybrid model may be less efficient than parallel hybrid model. Also, Hans mentions they are open to other power trains and he even mentions co-generation. Does that mean there is a natural gas Prius or natural gas charger in the works?

[Source: YouTube]

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Surprise!!! Duesenberg revival delayed

Filed under: Etc., Flex-Fuel, Manufacturing/Plants

The expected Duesenburg revival has not materialized as of yet, despite the fact that the new model was initially promised for this year. Surprised? Neither are we. But, Hemmings Auto Blogs decided to do a little bit of digging and they found that the website for the new car has been updated, and now shows a release set for the middle of next year. Built on Mercedes underpinnings, the Duesey will be complete with some sort of alternative powerplant which the makers claim will be capable of 300 horsepower while returning 70 miles per gallon and running on flexible fuels. That engine looks to be based on a pump from EP Industries. We are not so sure that anything will come of this planned revival at all, but thought you might like to know about it anyway.

Related:

An update on the Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe - with a 70 mpg 300 HP V-12?

[Source: Hemmings Auto Blog via Autoblog]

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Next-Gen Astra likely to have a 2nd-generation mild hybrid

Filed under: Hybrid, Saturn, Opel

It looks like the Volt won't be the only alternative-power variant of GM's next generation Global Compact Car or Delta platform. While Delta is the source of a lot the hardware for E-Flex, it is also the basis of the Opel/Saturn Astra and the Chevy Cobalt. German magazine Automobilwoche is reporting that a hybrid version of the next Astra is under development. That much is almost certainly true but they are also reporting that the Two-Mode Hybrid system is being used.

While a front-wheel-drive version of the Two-Mode system will debut in the Saturn Vue later in 2008, it is probably far to expensive to be practical in the Astra. Much more likely is the second generation mild hybrid system that was shown in an Opel Corsa at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2nd gen BAS system will use a stronger alternator starter and a lithium ion battery. This will allow it to be coupled to smaller engines and be more useful.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

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